Simple Up the Bathroom

This past year I made a change and crossed my fingers that I hadn’t gone “too far.” After noticing my Airbnb guest trash was often half facial tissues, I began to offer them handkerchiefs instead. I didn’t want to seem like that crazy hippie lady, so I do still offer facial tissues below the sink, if they prefer that.

To my surprise, no one has had a huge response and most have gone with the flow and used the handkerchiefs. They occasionally throw them in the trash versus the hamper, but that’s easy to notice and remedy. What I found for myself is that handkerchiefs are so much more pleasant as they are sturdy, soft and don’t irritate my nose like facial tissues can. So it’s worth considering and trying them, if you’re game. And if you stay at my Airbnb, you have the chance to try them out, if you choose.

I also began making my own foaming hand soap and I love it! It’s so effective, easy and inexpensive, that I won’t be going back to store-bought anytime soon. It costs about 75 cents per fill as compared to $4 if you bought it at the store. You can create your own scents with the essential oils you add, I choose thieves as it is naturally antibacterial and smells nice.

Foaming Hand Soap

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces water (distilled or boiled is best but not needed if it will be used within a few weeks)
• 2 tablespoons of liquid Castile soap
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid oil (almond or olive)
• Essential oils of choice for scent (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill the soap dispenser to about 1 inch of the top (leaving room for the bulky foaming pump and the soap to be added).
2. Add at least 2 tablespoons of liquid Castile soap to the water mixture (NOTE: do not add the soap first or it will create bubbles when the water is added.)
3. Add the oil (optional but it helps preserve the life of the dispenser) and any essential oils if you are using them.
4. Close and lightly swish to mix.
5. Use as you would any regular foaming soap.

Recipe from Wellness Mama. 

I was able to buy the foaming dispenser, bulk Castile soap, and bulk sweet almond oil at my local Food Front Co-op. Essential oils can also be bought there, but I do favor Young Living or DoTerra essential oils. I appreciate knowing what’s in my soap, and since I made it myself, I can hand select the ingredients. It’s so simple that Wellness Mama has her 6-year old mix it for their family, and it works wonderfully!

These are just two ways you can simple up your bathroom. Let me know your favorite tips for simplifying your bathroom by commenting below.